How do mothers influence the gut microbiomes of their infants

Student: Kathleen Loftus
Major: Biology
Advisors: Dr. Sharon Lynn, Dr. Rick Lehtinen

The purpose of this literature review was to investigate how mothers influence the gut microbiomes of their infants. Communication via the gut microbiome is integral for homeostasis and proper functioning and signaling of the metabolic, immune, endocrine and nervous systems.

Prenatal, birthing, and postnatal influences show implications for predicting and combating adverse developmental effects related to infant gut dysbiosis. Further research on the long term effects of altered infant intestinal colonization can provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of the dynamics of the gut microbiome throughout life and their effects over the body.